A total of 291 out of 345 members of the National Assembly have signed in support of an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, revealing vulnerabilities in his position. Notably, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, a close ally of President William Ruto, was absent from the process despite expectations of his support.
After days of speculation about whether there were enough signatures for the motion, the numbers were overwhelming, signaling a significant moment for DP Gachagua. The motion far exceeded the required 117 signatures, with 174 more than necessary, securing over 80% of the House’s support.
The session, held at 2:30 PM, was charged with enthusiasm, with MPs cheering as Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the motion's mover, read out the names of those who signed, often accompanied by chants of "patriot." Among those backing the motion was Jubilee-nominated MP Sabina Chege, a recent defender of Gachagua.
Did you read this?
Supporters of the motion called for increased security for President William Ruto and themselves, citing serious concerns. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah referenced earlier statements that “the flag will be at half-mast by March 2025,” highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Despite Gachagua's limited support, with only 54 members abstaining from the motion, he wasn’t entirely alone. Some MPs, including Marakwet West’s Timothy Kipchumba, argued that there were insufficient grounds for impeachment.
Currently, the National Assembly has 345 members, four short of the constitutional 349, with three constituencies vacant and one nomination slot yet to be filled following the appointment of John Mbadi as Treasury Cabinet Secretary.